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It Was Cold!

I took my early morning walk and it was COLD! The sun was shining but the fields were covered in white. It was not snow but frost and everywhere I looked there were sparkles as if the fairies had waved their wands overnight and covered everything in fairy dust! Yes, my imagination is running wild but it always does when I make my way to the fields. It takes a while before my mind calms down and I feel at ease again. This morning, it was no different.

The snow and ice have left us and in its place, cold, bitter cold, has stepped in. The good part is that there is sunshine and it makes for a spectacular scene before me. The birds are chirping although I don’t see them. Spring is in the air? Not really, still a long ways to go but I did notice that the tulip bulbs in my front garden are sprouting and showing green as they peek hopefully from the ground. It is strange this weather but nothing surprises me anymore where the weather is concerned. It does what it wants.

Halfway through my walk, I met my neighbor and she was bundled up against the cold. We stop and chat for a while. She says that it is a gorgeous day and I would agree if not for the biting cold! Then it is time to take my usual route, up the hill, to the left across the fields, to the apple trees and back again. Nothing much was moving out there and it was a pristine day, the kind that promises much but delivers little. The weather is supposed to stay cold for a couple of days and it will make for “good walks” but come prepared. I have my Down jacket zipped all the way up, a scarf bundled around my neck, gloves on my hands and boots on my feet, and I still feel its cold fingers reaching out to let me know just how cold it is! Tomorrow, I will have to add my winter hat to the ensemble.

My mind seems to be resting and taking a break from running circles around me as it usually does. Suddenly, a loud squawk from a crow passing by catches my attention as it flies to a nearby tree and takes refuge there. It is quiet, peaceful and absolutely beautiful. Time to make my way back home and warm up with a hot steaming cup of coffee and maybe some cheesecake? I bought two slices yesterday and it has my name written on it! Willpower do your thing. I think I will write instead and sip on coffee sans the cheesecake.

It is going to be a good day.

Have an amazing day.

Contrasts (Archives)

“To me, a rich and satisfying life means one full of contrast. Give me sleep ins. And soft rains. Coffee shops and conversation. But also adrenaline and adventure. And drunken bellows to the stars. I am determined to embrace this extravagant life for all that it has to offer.” Beau Taplin

It wasn’t a great day for a walk, grey clouds were gathering and as promised rain was on the way. What a difference a day makes, weather-wise. Yesterday it was picture perfect, warm and absolutely mesmerizing but today it had turned tables and was ready to show another side, a grey and wet one. There was no beauty to speak off as I trudged nonchalantly through the muddy and leaf-strewn path heading for the forest line. Oh, but I was wrong for I had only to open my mind and my senses to see the contrasts between a beautiful day and a bad one. To my surprise, each had its own brand of beauty if only I wasn’t so quick to pass judgement.

The not so subtle rustling of the leaves caught in the interplay of wind and absolute silence was balm for my anxious soul. I needed peace but somehow it was missing today. Glancing into the forest, I noticed that it was quiet, too quiet. The trees were tight-knit and hidden in shadows of its own making echoing the onslaught of rain that was to come. I usually don’t like walking close to the forest because a feeling of unease usually envelops me and my senses are usually on high alert as it was today. There was no room to relax. I walked on in silence and in the distance, the hoot of an owl could be heard. I welcomed the distraction and made my way to the stream. It’s gorgeous in spring, its banks overflowing with golden daffodils but today it droned on in silence, devoid of color as the slow-moving water made its way to the pond where the storks gather. Today, there was not one stork to be seen. They too had gone hiding from the oncoming force of nature. Standing at the tiny wooden bridge, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It was peaceful but the unease was still there. Enclosed spaces are not my cup of tea and neither are deep dark forests. I moved on, got back on the path and made it to the fields.

My mind began to relax as I took in the wild open spaces before me. I was free again and standing at the bottom of the hill as I took in the panoramic view. It was grandiose even through there was no sun to speak of, only a light purple haze enveloping the distant mountains. It was beautiful just the same. Just a different kind of beautiful.

Contrasts are necessary to show the light and dark aspects of life and today nature decided to show my jaded mind, come rain or sunshine, there is always something beautiful about each aspect if only I would open my mind to it and embrace it with open arms to reap the full benefits. The rest of the walk was uneventful, an ordinary walk but my mind knew that if I kept my eyes peeled, I would capture the extraordinary. It was just a matter of time and if nature was willing to throw it my way. As the first droplets of rain hit the muddy path, I pulled my jacket tighter around me and ran back home leaving nature to do what it does best.

The ebb and flow of life was at work and who was I a mere mortal to question the order of the day or how it was brought about to life. Just accept and enjoy was the message and I bowed my head to its all-knowing wisdom. I was at peace.

HAVE AN AMAZING DAY

My Dream Job

This is a hard one. These days I don’t work because I have chosen to step back from the chaos that reigned supreme in my life to a much quieter one where I can concentrate on writing. I am currently working on two books and I take my time doing that.

However, if I had to choose, I would say working in the White House. This would have been a dream job. I think it would be exciting, adrenaline pumping and I would be right there where it all happens. The hub so to speak. Nothing would beat that but I think it would be very exhausting not to mention the stress factor which would probably be through the roof!

In my next lifetime I would like to do that! For now, I am happy where I’m at.

Daily writing prompt

What’s your dream job?

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Anxiety

Anxiety is defined as, “a natural response to pressure, feeling afraid or threatened, which can show up in how we feel physically, mentally, and in how we behave. It’s common to describe anxiety as a feeling of dread, fear or unease, which can range from mild to severe.”

It can also be a normal reaction to stress and it walks in and stays for awhile sometimes making your daily existence a living hell. It can overwhelm at times but the mild variety doesn’t stay for too long. Occasional anxiety is normal and it dissolves when whatever got you “hyped up” dissipates.

“Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it.” Khalil Gibran

Sound familiar? Something is not working right and there we go. Sweating, breathing hard and to make matters worse, we stay fixated on the problem wanting to control the outcome. I’ve been having such episodes lately. I love fixing things and sometimes even before they happen! When it doesn’t go as planned, my thoughts get erratic, I experience restlessness, and irritability. I’ve been looking at ways to not let “anxiety” get the better of me. One method is to focus your thoughts on things that bring “good vibes” into your being. The other is to exercise for all you’re worth or to just get out in nature, breathe and let go. If that doesn’t work, here’s something that might just do the trick.

Mantra for anxiety:

“Anxiety isn’t you. It’s something moving through you. It can leave out of the same door it came in.” James Clear

AND

“Trust yourself. You’ve survived a lot, and you’ll survive whatever is coming.” Robert Tew

I like what Dr. Lucy Russell has to say about this topic.

“We have anxious thoughts because the brain is trying to keep us alive. To the brain, survival is much more important than happiness. So, the brain often conjures up worst case scenarios and “what ifs”, so that we can prepare for disaster. The trouble is, the brain regularly gets it wrong.”

All that preparation for nothing? Well, sometimes it is and at other times, it is needed to wade through the murky waters of anxiety.

How do you lessen anxiety naturally?

You can practice mindfulness, try different breathing techniques to calm the nervous system, practice daily meditation and use guided imagery to lessen the stress and to get clarity on the problem at hand.

If that fails, try the following.

“Breathe. You’re going to be okay. You’ve gotten through so many things in your life. YOU’VE GOT THIS.” Karen Salmansohn

Have an amazing day.

Characteristics of a Good Leader (Archives)

I wrote this before the current president took office and it still stands true today. He is showing us everyday what a good leader should not do. Does he care? Not one iota!

This question couldn’t have come at a better time. The 47th president is in the wings ready to take the helms of the highest office in the land as many of us grit our teeth and wait with bated breath to see the unfolding of what he has in store for America and the rest of the world.

The man is bold when it comes to certain issues BUT he is also impulsive, undisciplined, tradition-defying and doesn’t speak the truth. Shading the facts is his expertise and blowing hot air from both sides of his you know what is another area where he is well-versed in. Put this together and you’ve got what a good leader is NOT about!

That said, a good leader is a person who has integrity, courage, one who commands respect, who is able to communicate effectively and a leader who puts the will of the people front and center and the “me” concept somewhere in never never land!

“The hardest part of leadership isn’t making decisions – it’s making them with integrity.” Unknown

Daily writing prompt

What makes a good leader?

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LOL!

The king wanted to go fishing, and he asked the royal weather forecaster the forecast for the next few hours. The palace meteorologist assured him that there was no chance of rain.

So the king and the queen went fishing. On the way he met a man with a fishing pole riding on a donkey, and he asked the man if the fish were biting.

The fisherman said, “Your Majesty, you should return to the palace! In just a short time I expect a huge rainstorm.”

The king replied: “I hold the palace meteorologist in high regard. He is an educated and experienced professional. Besides, I pay him very high wages. He gave me a very different forecast. I trust him.”

So the king continued on his way. However, in a short time a torrential rain fell from the sky The King and Queen were totally soaked.

Furious, the king returned to the palace and gave the order to fire the meteorologist. Then he summoned the fisherman and offered him the prestigious position of royal forecaster.

The fisherman said, “Your Majesty, I do not know anything about forecasting. I obtain my information from my donkey. If I see my donkey’s ears drooping, it means with certainty that it will rain.”

So the king hired the donkey.

And thus began the practice of hiring dumb asses to work in influential positions of government.

The practice is unbroken to this date.

Need I say more? 🤣🤣🤣

If I Could I Would Un-Invent…

I would un-invent emojis. It was created in 1999 by Shigetaka Kurita to facilitate electronic communication but it has taken the world by storm and now there is one for any emotion you can think of sans the emotion of course. In a world where everything is digitalized and emotions are taking a backseat, this is the last thing we need.

Reaching out and showing any kind of compassion or emotion is done by sending emojis. Sad? Here’s a sad face emoji or a tear-drop one. Happy? Here’s a smiley face. In love? Here’s a heart emoji or kisses. Whatever happened to good old-fashioned hugs, the compassionate voice on the telephone or even the human touch?

In my opinion, we are becoming too digitalized and hence I would un-invent emojis if I could. Cute but some things need or deserve the human touch.

Daily writing prompt

If you could un-invent something, what would it be?

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Trust the Journey (Archives)

Mental Note:

Trust your journey.

“No matter how many detours we take or delays we encounter, we will always be led back to where we’re meant to be.” Nicole Spindler

Beautifully said but trusting the journey you’re on is hard and accepting that everything will turn out for the best is harder still. Humans want control of the situation or at least I do. I don’t like the idea of some unseen force manipulating the outcome and that is a frightening concept for me. However, if truth be told, perhaps there is no other way. You’ve heard the saying, if it is meant to be, it will be and what if we just let go and let it unfold as it was meant to be. A doable thing? Speaking from my standpoint, that is next to impossible for me.

“Don’t let what happens or what doesn’t happen bother you. Life has a way of rearranging perfectly so that what you truly need can come together.” Unknown

If I step aside that is. My problem is that I want to know what is coming up or what life has in store for me before it comes up. I spend a lot of time overthinking the negatives even before it has happened but that is human nature I suppose. Much of my time is wasted on projections that never take place and if and when it happens I am fully capable of handling the outcome.

Trusting the journey I am on demands that I accept what comes my way. “Be quiet” whispers the all-knowing power of the unknown, the universe or God in his wisdom or whatever you believe in. It says, “Let me work this out for you, I’ve got this and you need to trust in the journey. You’ll be fine.” The untrusting part within screams, “I’m afraid! What if I fail or I fall flat on my face or there is no getting up from this?” That too is human nature.

“Sometimes the strength within you is not a big fiery flame for all to see, it is just a tiny spark that whispers softly, “You got this, keep going.” Unknown

Perhaps, trusting the journey is not about rushing, not pushing and shoving and not about stomping your feet and demanding but that it is more about accepting that everything is being worked out behind the scenes and you just need to sit back and accept and know that the outcome will be exactly as it was meant to be. It doesn’t mean you have to stop working on yourself, putting effort out on what needs to be done and making your way through life, it means knowing that there is a higher force who is on your side. Not so simple? I know, it isn’t for me either. What if there is a higher power working on your behalf and it has got your back? Wonderful don’t you think? Now, I just need to trust in that concept. Good luck you say? I know but it’s worth a try.

“Trust the process, trust your journey. You are going TO BE OKAY.” Unknown

Have an amazing day.

I’ve Felt Loved….

I’ve felt loved and feel love in Chachi’s presence. I feel love oozing out of his pores when he looks at me. There is this certain look he has when his gaze turns on me. It is soft, it is loving and there is no doubt in my mind that I am loved.

The little guy in the fur coat watches me like a hawk. He follows me around and if he finds something else to amuse himself for a few minutes, he always comes back to me. When he does, he lets it be known that he missed me, often with light purrs or a rambunctious MEOW! There is no mistaking the fact that his world revolves around me and it is the same for me.

Love is unconditional where he is concerned. Some may say that’s because he has no one else and is dependent on me. However, I tend to disagree. Yes, he is dependent on me but he has learned to show love in small ways. A slight rub against my leg when I least expect it, a kiss on my cheek when he thinks I’m sleeping or the way he rubs his face on mine all adds to “feelings of love” shown in unexpected ways. The one I really like is when he rushes into the room and joins in when I am working out. He doesn’t care what I’m doing, be it yoga, aerobics, weight-training or whatever, the Little Macho is front and center! Yes, it is a hindrance but I LOVE it!

I feel love in his presence and I feel like I’m loved. The little macho has me wrapped around his paws, all four of them! I love cuddling with the little guy and I love spending time with him. Yes, the guy who walks into my life has big shoes to fill! He has to gain Chachi’s approval and he has to put up with our LOVE FEST!

Daily writing prompt

Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved?

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Lots of Ways

I can reduce clutter in many ways. Clutter seems to be a way of life for some people and sometimes “clutter” gives you a sense of comfort, if that makes sense.

My office space is cluttered. I have books, papers, files, things that don’t belong in the office area and other stuff that takes clutter to higher level! However, there is comfort in the clutter. I don’t like it organized because it points to my mind which is quite often “cluttered” as well! So, they work hand in hand. I try to keep a semblance of order but that is about as far as it gets!

I think I can reduce clutter when it comes to my personal space. My wardrobes are still full of clothes and I just keep some stuff because I had spent too much on the item and parting with one or the other brings anxiety. I did get rid of a lot of things that I no longer wear but bringing it down to clutter-free level is another thing altogether!

Reducing the clutter in my mind is very hard to do. It seems like I have compartments where I store things, things that no longer matter, things that caused heartache, things that caused pain, and so on. I think most of us do. I would like to reduce the emotional clutter that I carry around as well. I want to free up some space for the good things and to say goodbye to things that are better left alone.

Still working on it. It is a long and slow process but I’m hoping that in time, I will get there. Fingers crossed! Add my toes to that as well for good measure.

Daily writing prompt

Where can you reduce clutter in your life?

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